Indiana's Department of Natural Resources has been stripped of its authority to regulate certain wild animals as pets. More than 30 wild animals are covered by a court ruling that strips the DNR of its authority over legally owned creatures. It's part of a lawsuit addressing whether or not the DNR could regulate or even ban the hunting of captive deer. The ruling comes as a surprise to animal advocates and is raising concern about a lack of regulation. Special permits had been issued in the past to people who owned wild animals as pets such as venomous snakes, black bears, alligators, wolves, tigers and more. The DNR had maintained inspection powers in the past as a part of the permit process.
